Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Tai O Fishing Village in Hong Kong
- Where is Tai O?
- What is the main street in Tai O?
- How to get to Tai O?
- Best Time to Go to Tai O
- What to Do and See in Tai O
- Take scenic pictures at Fu Shan Viewing Point
- Go on a boat trip via Tai O Boat Excursion Limited
- Meet cute cats at Fei Mao Li
- Visit Tai O Kwan Tai Temple
- Explore Tung O Ancient Trail
- Where to Eat and Drink in Tai O
- Tai O Lookout
- Tai O Bakery
- Crossing Boat Restaurant
- Solo Cafe
- Where to Shop in Tai O
- Tai O Market
- Where to Stay in Tai O
- Tai O Heritage Hotel
- Tai O Inn, by the Sea
- FAQ
Tai O is the complete opposite of Hong Kong’s lavish and flashy side. This quaint fishing village is one of the few sedentary fishing communities that survived the passage of time and maintained its tradition for more than 100 years.
Want to experience a more traditional and laid-back version of the city? This is your destination! Wear your comfiest shoes and get ready for an exploration filled with stilt houses, seafood markets, and rustic local eateries.
Where is Tai O?
Tai O is partly nestled on an islet by the same name on Lantau Island’s western side, while the other side is set on the banks of the Tai O River. This large inlet is also where two waterways (Tai O Creek and Tai O River) merge.
What is the main street in Tai O?
Kat Hing Street is the best street to explore in Tai O. As you walk along this thoroughfare, you can find traditional stilt houses, restaurants featuring premium seafood delicacies, and several historic temples.
How to get to Tai O?
Closest subway stop: From Central Station, hop on a train leading to Tung Chung Station. Once you get off the station, go to Tung Chung Town Centre and ride Bus11 to reach Tai O.
Best Time to Go to Tai O
The best time to visit Tai O is during the Tai O Lantern (Mid-Autumn) Festival or the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade. Next year, the Lantern Festival lands on February 12, 2025, while the Dragon Boat Water Parade is on May 31, 2025.
What to Do and See in Tai O
Take scenic pictures at Fu Shan Viewing Point
Media credit: wandering.emz
Address: North of Tai O, Lantau Island
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
If you’re all about getting the perfect scenic photos for your IG feed, you shouldn’t miss Fu Shan Viewing Point. This photo spot is a 15-minute walk from Kau San Tei Lookout Pavilion, and the pathway is all concrete, so it’s an easy trail.
As you walk along the trail, the stunning view of the South China Sea will gradually unfold before you. Plus, the sunset view here is unrivaled, especially when the hazy ocean view melts into the sky and creates a picturesque backdrop.
Anyway, once you’re in the viewing pavilion, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the ocean and a glimpse of the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge.
Go on a boat trip via Tai O Boat Excursion Limited
Media credit: taioboatexcursion
Address: Tai O Wing On St, 20號號A, Tai O
Phone: +852 9174 9222Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Enjoy a village water tour via boat through Tai O Boat Excursion Limited.
It’s the best way to see the classic stilt houses and canals in Tai O. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see a few pink dolphins along the way.
By the side of Tai Chung Bridge, you can find a small pier where vendors sell tickets for boat rides through the neighborhood’s waterways. For HKD 20 to HKD 40 per head, you can enjoy a 20 to 30-minute boat trip.
Meet cute cats at Fei Mao Li
Media credit: zehao84
Address: 67 Kat Hing St, Tai O
Phone: +852 9497 4206
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday – Closed
Tai O is not just a fishing village. It’s also an island filled with cats. Did you know that the cats here were initially used for pest control? That’s why, until now, you can see plenty of chonky cats roaming around the area.
Fei Mao Li is a cat-themed cafe where you can grab light meals and beverages. Plus, for a minimum order of HKD 25, you can cuddle and play with the adorable kitties while dining. The cats are very friendly, and they’re used to people, so don’t be afraid to pet them.
When it comes to food, this cafe doesn’t really have a fixed menu, but they mostly offer coffee and pastries.
Visit Tai O Kwan Tai Temple
Media credit: exploreourworld1111
Address: 29 Kat Hing Back St, Tai O
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
There are several century-old temples in Tai O. Kwan Tai Temple is the oldest heritage building here and in Lantau Island. It was originally built in 1488 and was rebuilt in 1741.
The temple was made in honor of Kwan Tai, the God of War and Righteousness. Hongkongers visit this place because they believe that Kwan Tai wards off all evils. Some devotees also burn incense and pray to ask for bountiful fishing and farming harvests.
Even if you’re not here to worship deities, you can still appreciate the temple’s overall architecture. The temple is a Grade II historic building that features various relics and statues related to Kwan Tai.
Explore Tung O Ancient Trail
Media credit: 852brett
Address: Northwest part of Lantau Island
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Tung O Ancient Trail isn’t for the weak, and we mean it. This 14.3-kilometer hike starts from Tai O and ends in Tung Chung, so it can take around four hours to accomplish.
That said, the trail’s mostly flat and paved walkways, so it’s not as strenuous as you’d expect. Moreover, there are little village stores where you can get snacks and drinks.
The route offers stunning coastal and mountain range scenery. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of popular HK landmarks, such as the Hong Kong International Airport and Ngong Ping Cable.
Where to Eat and Drink in Tai O
Tai O Lookout
Media credit: yvedge
Address: 14 Shek Tsai Po St, Lantau Island
Phone: +852 2985 8383
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Great for al fresco dining
Head over to Tai O Lookout if you wish to indulge in Western and Chinese delights while taking in the panoramic vistas of the sea. This glass-roofed restaurant is set on the first floor of the historic Tai O Heritage Hotel, so you won’t miss it.
The restaurant uses Tai O specialties, such as shrimp paste and salted fish, on its set and ala carte menus. Some of the must-try dishes we recommend are their Crispy Chicken Wings with Shrimp Paste and Pork Chop Bun with Shrimp Paste & Country Fries.
Here are important schedules to note if you plan on dining here:
- Breakfast – 8 AM to 11 AM
- Lunch – 11 AM to 2:30 PM
- Afternoon Tea – 2:30 PM to 5 PM
- Dinner – 6 PM to 10 PM
Tai O Bakery
Media credit: hyun.for_life
Address: G/F, 66 Kat Hing Street, Tai O
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Thursday to Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday – Closed
Good to know: Excellent spot for donuts
Forget fancy pastries. Tai O Bakery is all about the classic sugar puff donut.
This pillowy sweet treat is always served fresh and hot in this bakery, so it’s a nice snack to munch on while strolling along the neighborhood. Their coconut tarts and walnut cookies are also equally good.
Be warned, though, there’s always a queue for donuts here, no matter the time or day. They’re that good! Take one bite, and you’ll understand why.
Crossing Boat Restaurant
Media credit: snakegrrl_sociology
Address: G/F, 33 Kat Hing Street, Tai O
Phone: +852 2985 8343
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM, Saturday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Good to know: Great for family gatherings
Crossing Boat Restaurant is our go-to spot if we’re craving authentic Cantonese dishes.
What’s nice about this family-friendly restaurant is that they only use local produce and ingredients, so most of their offerings are seafood dishes and stir-fried delights. Plus, the dish portions are pretty big.
Make sure you try bestsellers like the Deep-fried Fish Fillet with Mango Sauce and Steamed Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves.
Solo Cafe
Media credit: wyc_wallace_v3v
Address: G/F, 86-88 Kat Hing Street, Tai O
Phone: +852 9153 7453
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6:30 PM, Sunday – Closed
Good to know: Best for artisanal coffees
Solo Cafe is a cozy and whimsical cafe built out of a stilt house. Its terrace is a good place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Just find a spot, and you can enjoy your coffee or tea while watching the boats cruise along the water.
It offers a wide array of coffee brews, iced drinks, and homemade desserts. For HKD 98, you can already enjoy one drink and one cake or food. Our top picks here are their Ice Shakerato paired with their tiramisu and tomato bruschetta.
Where to Shop in Tai O
Tai O Market
Media credit: summerdrake03
Address: Tai O Market Street, Tai OO
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Tai O is a small fishing village, so fashion shops and bazaars are uncommon here. But if you really want to experience shopping here, Tai O Market is the place to be.
Despite its small size, this village market is filled to the brim with various local delicacies, such as shrimp paste, dried seafood products, and salted fish. Plus, there are also rows of food stalls selling street foods, like fish balls, egg waffles, and squid jerky.
This market’s offerings might not be the nicest-smelling souvenirs, but if you fancy them, you can definitely score a great deal. Plus, you can support local vendors at the same time. Win-win, right?
Where to Stay in Tai O
Tai O Heritage Hotel
Media credit: taioheritagehotel
Address: 14 Shek Tsai Po St, Tai O, Lantau Island
Phone: +852 2985 8383
Pricing: $$
Tai O Heritage Hotel is the best spot for a luxurious staycation in Tai O. Originally a historic police station from 1902, this nine-room boutique hotel has preserved unique details, like searchlights and canons, even after its renovation.
It was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2013, so staying in this hotel is truly an experience.
When it comes to the rooms and suites, it’s also a nice touch that they’re named after Hong Kong’s police rank and vessels. If you’re a solo traveler, we suggest you go for The Commissioner or the Sea Lion Suite.
Tai O Inn, by the Sea
Media credit: taioinnbythesea
Address: Shek Tsai Po St, New Territories, Tai O, Lantau Island
Phone: +852 6024 9935
Pricing: $
Tai O Inn, by the Sea, is particularly popular for solo travelers and couples who love a good deal because the rooms are budget-friendly.
Tucked away on the southwest end of Lantau Island, this charming inn boasts sweeping views of the mountains and the sea. It also has a cozy outdoor dining area where guests can savor delicious eats while taking in the view of Tai O’s stilt houses.
